Cost to Run a Reptile Heat Lamp / Terrarium in California
California's average residential electricity rate is 35.3¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 50th cheapest in the country, 88% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (12 hours/day), a reptile heat lamp / terrarium here costs $12.88 per month.
Per hour
3.5¢
at 50–250 W
Per day
$0.42
12 hours/day
Per month
$12.88
36 kWh
Per year
$155
438 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (6 hrs/day) | $0.21 | $6.44 | $77.31 |
| Typical (12 hrs/day) | $0.42 | $12.88 | $155 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $0.85 | $25.75 | $309 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a reptile heat lamp / terrarium in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a reptile heat lamp / terrarium with typical usage costs about $0.42 per day, $12.88 per month, or $155 per year.
Is running a reptile heat lamp / terrarium in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $12.88 per month here versus $6.86 nationally.
What does electricity cost in California right now?
California residents pay an average of 35.3¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 50th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.